Songyang Gaoqiang, an opera form from Lishui's Songyang county, is staged at the Asian Games stadium. [Photo/WeChat account: wxlishui]

The 19th Asian Games kicked off in Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, on Sept 23 with a splendid show of cultural diversity and artistic creativity.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was a performance from Lishui, a city in Zhejiang.

Lasting nearly four minutes, the performance consisted of two parts: a dance by the She ethnic group, and a Songyang Gaoqiang opera, a national intangible cultural heritage with a history of over 600 years.

Dancers wearing traditional She ethnic group costumes perform at the Asian Games stadium. [Photo/WeChat account: wxlishui]

The stage design, music, and lighting of the performance created a harmonious atmosphere that highlighted the cultural features and connotations of the two art forms.

The performers, who came from different backgrounds, rehearsed for more than three months to prepare for the show, which reflected the enthusiastic and progressive spirit of the people of Lishui.